thanks, dana. "cnn newsroom" with carol costello starts right now. >>> twas the day before christmas, and malls around the country expected to be packed. millions of last-minute shoppers scurrying to stores to finish their shopping list. are you one of them? plus this. >> shame on the nra! ban assault weapons now! >> remember her? she disrupted a live statement by the national rifle association. how did she sneak past that big sign -- how did she sneak that big sign past all that security? we'll ask her live. >>> politicians, dignitaries, and even a musician. cnn tallies your votes for the most intriguing person of the year and counts them down for u and a small kid making a big difference. this little girl wins a trip of a lifetime to paris, and her actions after that get support from the whole community. >> dear santa, i'm gabriela, the one with the tumor. this is my motto, and i think you should use it too. you might have a bad day today, but there's always a bright star to look forward to tomor